Sikkim CM proposes online permit system to plug Rs 27 crore RAP/PAP revenue gap

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) has flagged an estimated Rs 27 crore shortfall in revenue from Restricted Area Permits (RAP) and Protected Area Permits (PAP), attributing the gap to leakages in the existing largely manual permit system.

Addressing tourism stakeholders at a consultative meeting on the proposed Integrated Online Permit System, Tamang said the state received around 15 lakh tourists in 2025 and should have collected nearly Rs 31 crore in RAP/PAP revenue based on the tourist footfall. However, official records showed collections of only around Rs 3.64 crore, resulting in a shortfall of approximately Rs 27 crore.

The Chief Minister said the proposed online and geo-fenced permit system was intended to improve transparency and accountability in revenue collection while protecting the interests of tourism stakeholders.

He acknowledged mixed reactions to the proposed system and said the government was engaging with stakeholders to address their concerns. Tamang maintained that the reform was not intended to cause hardship to citizens or tourism operators.

He reiterated that only tour and travel operators registered in Sikkim would be permitted to operate on RAP/PAP routes under the revised system. He also said no undue benefit or preferential allotment had been extended to any individual or entity under the proposed arrangement.

According to the Chief Minister, revenue generated through the new system would be used for developing tourist amenities at the concerned destinations instead of being lost through leakages.

Tamang assured tourism stakeholders that the government would seek a reasonable solution through consultations with them. He also said RAP/PAP permit rates would be reviewed and reduced under the revised system.